FOOTBALL AND FAITH

If you know me, you know I love football. OTAs, preseason, regular season, postseason, I watch it all. For many years, I was only interested in NFL games. One whole day of football was enough. Then the NFL started having games on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. It’s hard to have a life outside of football season. I’ve even been known to record really exciting games and rewatch them when the season is over, and there’s nothing on television but golf; I’d rather watch paint dry.

When my son started playing college ball, my love of all things football expanded to collegiate teams. Granted, I’m not as fanatical as my NFL devotion, but now I watch many of those games, too. This season, the University of Indiana’s football team made history. Not only were they undefeated in the regular season, they also won the national championship – a feat that only two teams in major college football history have achieved – the University of Indiana in 2025/2026 and Yale in 1894. (That is not a typo.)

Even more impressive was the young man who was the team’s quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. Not only did Fernando receive the Heisman Trophy (college football’s most esteemed honor), he also exhibited poise, humility, and confidence both on and off the field. Fernando is a young man who proudly professes his faith, gives God the credit for his accomplishments, and never fails to acknowledge his teammates’ contributions to the team’s success. He doesn’t curse (except for that one time when they won the national championship), doesn’t follow social media, and he loves his mami. (That’s not a typo either.) There’s so much more that could be said about this young man, and I’m sure someone somewhere is writing a book about him right this minute.

In a time when both college and professional athletes often exhibit behavior that is less than desirable, Fernando’s faith and humanity are unabashedly on full display. If you’re looking for a role model for your sons, grandsons, or yourself, I highly recommend Fernando Mendoza.

HOO HOO HOO HOOSIERS